BANGALORE: The Chief Minister, N. Dharam Singh, on Sunday called upon citizens to start a massive programme of planting saplings and preserving the environment.

He was speaking at a function organised by the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board to mark the World Environment Day.

The Chief Minister said the Government alone cannot protect the environment.

He called upon the non-governmental organisations and other associations to come together for the cause.

The Chief Minister wanted the younger generation to chip in. "We should motivate our youth and create awareness among them about protecting our environment," he said.

Mr. Dharam Singh said trees had to be felled in some places in the name of development. The Government will ensure that more saplings are planted to make up for the loss.

Tree felling inevitable

He said it is inevitable for the civic agency to fell trees to meet the growing infrastructure needs of a developing city.

He appreciated the efforts of several organisations, which are actively involved in environment protection campaigns.

Mr. Dharam Singh released a documentary film and gave away certificates to winners of various competitions conducted by the organisers.

The Governor, T.N. Chaturvedi gave away the Rajiv Gandhi Parisara Award to organisations and individuals who have made a mark in environment protection activities in 2005-06.

The Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment, Gurupadappa Nagamarapalli, said the increasing number of vehicles was the cause for air pollution.

K.M. Shivakumar, Principal Secretary to the Governemnt, Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment; Sadashivaiah, Secretary to the Government, Department of Ecology and Environment, and N. Bhoomanand Manay, Chairman of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board; were present.